Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the Playoffs after defeating them 96-103 to close the first round series 1-4.
Luka Doncic was the top scorer for the Lakers with 28 points and 9 assists, Rui Hachimura contributed 23 points and LeBron James, 22. Although Anthony Edwards was inaccurate – missing 3 out of 4 shots – and only scored 15 points, the home team’s efforts were not enough to turn the results around and fight for a sixth game.
As if this were not enough, their poor performance was evidenced and they obtained a historical record that no team would ever bring up: “Only 16.9% of the Lakers’ points in the series against the Timberwolves came in the last quarter (85/502). That’s the lowest percentage of any team in any playoff series in NBA history” reported OptaSTATS.
The Los Angeles Lakers have never lost in the first round of the Playoffs after finishing at least third in the regular season, as they did this year. Now, the team will have the entire off-season to rest and evaluate what changes they need to make if they don’t want these results to keep repeating themselves.
Fans took aim at the coach
JJ Redick was harshly criticized, as he did not make the changes he should have made to avoid defeat.
In addition, his decision and determination to give more minutes and not to bench Luka Docic and LBJ was one of the most questioned. And he paid dearly for it.
King James went 0-for-2 and scored no points in the final half of Game 4.
Next step for Timberwolves
After the victory, the Timberwolves will have to wait for their next opponent in the Western semifinals on May 3.
The options for Minnesota are the Houston Rockets or the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry’s and Jimmy Butler’s Warriors are 2-3 in the series.
Read the full article here
